Magic Moments

We took family snap shots for 5 minutes. That's all the boys could take. And, for now, it's good enough.  

 The Lollypop Tree was a big deal for Cade. He doesn't remember it growing in the past. Grandmommy told him the origins of the lollypop tree and together they planted the stick and watered it well. Then he waited ALL NIGHT and he woke up to magic. The lollypops were plentiful! When I took pictures of the lollypop tree I didn't have a card in my camera, so I had to steal these pictures from my brother-in-law. opps.

 How is it possible that summer is really just a memory now? Tom and I have been working on getting ready for winter at the cabin. We've put the boats away and raked some leaves already. The dock needs to be brought in but I keep asking for just one more day. Maybe I've said it before, but Tom missed so much time up here during our West Virginia years that being here all summer was a gift. It was like God gave us time back that we lost. This is my favorite place in the world and I can't help but look back on how God works, the plan he had, and how THANKFUL I am that we were not quarantined in West Virginia. I'm rounding up pictures from the summer I want to remember.

 Aiden's soccer team has their last game tomorrow before they head to the championships in Rochester next weekend.They haven't lost a game yet, and they have high hopes! It's been a good season considering the time Aiden spent off the field during the shutdown and he's on a new team with kids he doesn't know well. Aiden has been struggling significantly with seasonal allergies and playing soccer means his sinuses turn into a brick and he's in pain for 2 days while they drain. We've conquered some allergies with acupressure from an amazing doctor, but he's going to an allergist this week and prayerfully the doctor will have some answers for relief. If you think of it, pray for Aiden. He's a trooper, but it's definitely inhibited his ability and discouraged him from what he LOVES.

 My baby turns 5 today! Five is always the saddest birthday for me because it really feels like the little years are being left behind. Since Cade is the youngest, there is an extra sadness about it, but we're spending the day celebrating Cade and being thankful for everything he brings to our family! Cade is our comic relief. He is witty and quick to laugh. This morning our kitty, Chester, wouldn't stop stealing Kit kats from the candy jar. Cade said, "It's because he thinks they are for KATS!" He's quick to play on words and that displays just how smart this little kid is. Yesterday Marme said, "Cade, eat all your lunch so you can be fast and strong." Cade replied, "I don't want to be fast or strong, I want to be agile."  Cade is affectionate like his daddy and each night we lay with him until he falls asleep. He asks that I lay a certain way so he can snuggle in as close as he can get. He came running into our bed after having a bad ...

 One of my most favorite places in the world is Apple Jacks Orchard. We spent Cade's birthday there (more about his birthday when the pictures upload) and it was his very first time at Apple Jacks. It makes me sad that he hasn't been there before since Aiden and Sage have lots of memories and pictures from this orchard, but it was so sweet to be able to spend his birthday at the orchard. Apple Jacks has replaced most of their older varieties of apples with the apples people demand now...Honeycrisp, Zestar, and Sweet Tango. The apple trees were heavy with apples and I don't think I've ever seen the orchard look so beautiful. We went with Grandmommy and Grandpa and we came home with 20 pounds of apples, apple salsa, honey and jelly. I try not to even speak about covid because I hate it so much, but of course covid has effected the orchard as well, so there was no cow train to ride or wagons to pull. They also weren't serving lunch, which was just kind of a bummer. We ...

 School started and the days are running together just like they do in the summer time. Educating three children is no joke and takes me a pretty big chunk of time. Grandmommy and Grandpa are staying through the month of September so I send the boys over to the red cabin and they get to do some school with Grandmommy.  Grandmommy is in charge of the extra curriculum that I want to do but rarely have time to do after all the essentials are finished. It's a special time they have together and I just love it so much. We started slowly last week and I am still modifying our daily checklists. We'll reach our stride soon enough.     First day of school. Cade is doing well with reading and Clementine is a patient (but not necessarily)      willing participant.     Cade can handle the kayak pretty well. He can turn and paddle and cover a small distance. More practice and he'll be more efficient and confident. Last week we made a really fast trip to I...